Why is it important to wash reusable bottles and how to do it properly

It is already an acquired and frequent habit observed in gyms or on public roads. Reusable water bottles are a very useful tool for those who train and want to be hydrated as well as to reduce costs by getting them out of their homes and filling them for new training. However, if the container is not washed, it can mask a potential health risk.

According to a Brazilian study published in the Online physiology exercise journal in open access, People do not wash water bottles often even after exercise, and those who disinfect bottles do not do it properly.

The research was devoted to badyzing samples of 30 bottles of people participating in a workout session in the gym. Then they compared them with samples of 30 new bottles. In this way, it has been revealed the risk of not having adequate hygiene of the bottles.

The first results showed that each bottle can accumulate more bacteria than predicted by researchers: 83% of the bottles have been contaminated with staphylococci or E. coli.

To carry out this study, the scientists performed the tests in a real context, taking by surprise those who exercised in a gym and asking for their flasks. "We have acted in this way to avoid too much cleaning, intentionally," said author of the study, Gilmar Weber Senna, professor at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in an interview with World of the runner.

And although the results have been alarming, according to research, the likelihood of being sick due to inadequate hygiene of the water bottle depends on two factors: the amount of bacteria present and the immune system.

The right way to wash the bottles of water

The research raises the idea that after using the reusable plastic bottle, wash it to avoid future consequences. But itWhat is the right way to do it?

On the popular Instagram account @soyamodecasa, with more than 49,000 followers, they recommended: "You can fill the bottle with warm water, a spoonful of baking soda and grains of rice to scrape everything. After rinsing the container, you can also boil it for 5 minutes to sterilize it, allowing it to dry naturally.

On the other hand, if the material allows it, research has indicated that it is convenient to put it in the dishwasher after checking whether it is suitable on the label or on the website. of the brand.

The hygiene of the person

The researchers also noted that the bacteria came from handling the bottle with the hands and not the mouth on it. That's why it's good that the person has clean hands after exercise.

The last recommendation was to use metal, steel or glbad bottles instead of plastic. This latter material traps bacteria more easily.